NHI-DFI PARTNERSHIP National Highway Institute (NHI) Courses As State Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies subcontract greater percentages of geotechnical design work to private engineering companies, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recognizes the need to provide training opportunities that promote responsible and knowledgeable practice. In 2010, NHI and DFI entered a partnering agreement to combine resources and further NHI’s mission to educate the transportation workforce on addressing the full life cycle of the highway transportation system. The NHI-DFI partnership offers increased training and educational opportunities to build the technical capacity of practitioners including design, construction and inspection of foundations for roadways, bridges and other transportation structures. NHI expects to see an increase in requests for “just-in- time” training of practitioners in the near future to meet the needs of specific projects and markets. DFI is prepared to assist member companies in accessing training opportunities. Geotechnical Course Offerings DFI offers access to the following NHI courses. These courses are delivered in an instructor-led format (in person), and are taught by NHI-certified instructors who are subject matter specialists. • Drilled Shafts (NHI #132014) • Drilled Shaft Foundation Inspection (NHI #132070) • Driven Pile Foundations – Design and Construction (NHI #132021) • Driven Pile Foundation Inspection (NHI #132069) • Earth Retaining Structures (NHI #132036) • Ground Improvement Techniques (NHI #132034) • LRFD Seismic Analysis and Design of Transportation Structures, Features, and Foundations (NHI #130094) • Micropile Design and Construction (NHI #132078) • Soils and Foundations Workshop (NHI #132012) The courses can be tailored to specific needs and are particularly attractive to companies servicing State DOTs who want to enhance their transportation expertise. However, the training is appropriate for any geotechnical application, and DFI is also pursuing opportunities to provide training for other owners, such as the electric power and dams and levee industries. Members can group together courses on one technology to offer a mastery series demonstrating proficiency in a subject matter (e.g., drilled shaft inspection, design and construction). Another option is to group together “professional starter” courses (e.g., introductory soil mechanics, driven piles, and drilled shafts) to train entry level employees. Benefits to DFI Member Companies • DFI provides ready access to high quality, FHWA-approved training for member companies. • Courses have increased availability of seats (up to 35 attendees can be registered per course, compared to the typical NHI limit of 30 attendees). • NHI courses typically have lower costs than other industry- based educational courses. • DFI provides administrative services for course ordering, coordi- nation and execution, and venue and course material procurement. • DFI supports DOTs that require training, but have limited state operating budgets. • Member companies host local DOT representatives for train- ing, thereby providing opportunities to build relationships and contribute technically and financially to the local engineering community. • Member companies can hold networking receptions or exhibits at courses, allowing interaction between DOTs and members. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Mary Ellen Bruce at [email protected] for more information. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • JULY/AUG 2014 • 41
